You Cannot Live without...

No matter the season or the year, it's essential for a woman to have some basic dressing elements in her wardrobe, pieces that can be combined differently to adjust and enhance the styling effect of any kind of trend as they are timeless. Let us check some of them out.

The pantsuit
Have you ever heard of André Courrèges?
Well, his early collections included trouser suits in white and silver, futuristic accessories such as goggles, and his famous white mid-calf boots. Courrèges later helped popularize the mini-skirt and go-go boots in France, as well as setting a trend for stark minimalist lines and co-ordinated outfits in clinging knits.

Today, Courrèges holds an almost mythical status in fashion, especially in France, as well as being remembered as a truly great designer. So, he is one of the first designers to put women in trousers.

But the one that made trousers real popular was Yves Saint Laurent. Until then, women were expected to wear only skirts, as strange as this may seem. Today, the pantsuit is a staple in every woman's wardrobe. I for one, couldn't imagine wearing only skirts, it would be a torture for me. You see, the pantsuit can work for you in a multitude of situations: at the office, at a cocktail party or with any other occasion. You can also break apart the pieces.

Note that pantsuits don't make you manly but can actually increase the femininity of your look. Just look around you or at the Hollywood women that sport this attire and you'll see I'm right.

The trench
The trench coat was created by Thomas Burberry, the inventor of the gabardine fabric, who submitted a design for an army officer's raincoat to the UK War Office in 1901. Since then, the trench coat has become one of the most worn pieces ever. Always practicable and fashionable at the same time, the trench can make a rainy day unimportant and not dreary. The favorite colors in this category seem to be beige and black but I bet that there are a lot more patterns and colors to choose from. Just look into it.

Jeans
That was inevitable. We all love jeans. They have become universally used as they are the most practical element, being the easiest to throw on without a thought. Me and my jeans are inseparable. Inseparable, I tell you! The variety of cuts, colors, models is huuuge. You see, that might be a problem as we, women, are always put in difficulty when we have too many choices. There's one solution only to choose the perfect pair of jeans and that is to keep trying until you find those jeans that make your butt (and body) look gorgeous.

Black pumps
I am sure you watched Sex and the City. Well, I'm also sure that the famous shoeaholic character of Carrie Bradshaw would agree when I say that black pumps are a must and that they should be a staple as they probably go with everything. You know that good shoes are not the cheapest around but I would suggest paying more for a pair of good shoes because, most often than not, cheap shoes have a short life and break apart soon after you have bought them. It is important that you feel comfortable when walking in them 'cause otherwise you might experience excruciating pain at the end of the day. You could go for the thick (not stiletto) heel to provide that.

White shirt
Truly classic and always stylish. You know that you can wear it wherever, whenever, just choose the adequate model for the occasion. A crisp tailored shirt is your best option for versatility, as it layers well under sweaters and blazers, over t-shirts and tanks, but is also strong on its own. Wearing a white shirt can give you a fashionable look, achieved with minimal effort and provided you throw a few great accessories into the equation.

Big bag
Big bags rule! I am definitely a fan of those. Why carry a purse and another handbag at once when you can wear a single big bag in which you can put all the things you need? Besides their practical side, they can be great trendy pieces and perfectly complement an outfit. I recommend using them in daytime as in nighttime, they can be overpowering. Lucky for us, the designers have provided a vast amount of models from which we can choose. I'll just mention the famous brands Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Hermés and Tod's.

Pencil skirt
This model of skirt came to life in the 50's by the hand of Christian Dior, aiming to enhance a woman's figure in all the right places. Of course that the lengths and shapes will vary according to the seasons' trends but the concept will undoubtedly remain a flattering classic. When selecting a pencil skirt, the hem should hit about an inch above the knee. No matter the color, it will always look good on you.

Chic shades
They are so worn that they have become synonymous with celebrities nowadays. Well, they do look cool, but not on everyone. They could indeed give the proper finish to whatever outfit you're going for. Tom Ford has recently come out with a line of must-have shades, and so has Juicy Couture with Shades of Couture.

A clutch purse
Ideal for the evening but don't limit yourself only to that as these little ones can be just as stylish in daytime. The difference is that if you're wearing them in the evening, you should go for more glitz: jewels, buckles or metallic. Just pick the one that is most suited for your personal style and you're all set. I'm thinking Channel right now. How about you?

Little Black Dress
The one piece that is indispensable. Without it, your wardrobe won't definitely be complete, I assure you. Every woman MUST have a black dress for the moments in which she wants to shine. It's important though to find one that suits your body shape. No matter the model, it has to be flattering and accentuate every part of you. Do you know who designed the first little black dress? It was Coco Channel. She said:" Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress."

So there you have it. Ask yourself how many of those above mentioned you find in your wardrobe and I suggest you start buying what you're missing. Enjoy your shopping session!